Indexing Files From SystemLink Test Monitor Results

Issue Details

• I am uploading Test Results to SystemLink, which each have a file attachment. I want to index these files in a DataFinder Instance. Is this possible?
• How can I index the files attached to my Test Monitor Results in SystemLink?
• Is it possible to include Test Result files in a DataFinder Search Area in SystemLink?

Solution

Files attached to SystemLink Test Results are automatically uploaded to the File Service. SystemLink comes with a DataFinder Instance that indexes the File Service by default.

If you do not wish to index the entire File Service, perhaps because other files are also being uploaded there, you can use File Moving Rules to copy/move the Test Result files to a different location and create a DataFinder Instance that indexes that location only.

The sections below discuss examples of indexing files from a Test Result, using both approaches mentioned here.

Indexing Test Result Files Using the Default File Service Configuration

• Below is an example of a Test Result uploaded to SystemLink that comes with a TDMS file attachment.

• This file is automatically uploaded to the File Service and can be seen by navigating to Utilities >> Files.

• This file is also being indexed by a DataFinder Instance called FileIndex.
  1. Navigate to Data Administration >> Data Indexing.
  2. Double-click on the DataFinder Instance called FileIndex.
  3. Select the Indexing Status tab to view a list of indexed files.

• These files can be searched as normal using the Data Navigation page.
  1. Navigate to Measurement Data Analysis >> Data Navigation.
  2. Double-click the FileIndex to connect to this DataFinder Instance.
  3. View the list of indexed files and apply search criteria.

Indexing Test Result Files Using File Moving Rules

It may be desirable to index only the Test Result files in the File Service, particularly if the File Service is being used to store other files simultaneously.

1. Follow the instructions in How Can I Use File Moving Rules to Transfer Files to a Specific Folder on the NI SystemLink Server Machine? to set up a File Moving Rule that copies your Test Result files to a separate location.
   • It is necessary to have some way to differentiate the Test Result files from other files in the File Service. e.g. a different file extension, or a common custom property.
   • IMPORTANT: The File Moving Rule should be configured to copy the file (instead of move). This is to ensure that the file link on the Test Result is not broken.

2. Once created, any files attached to Test Results that meet the Rule Matching Metadata (shown above), will automatically be copied to your custom destination.
3. Create a new DataFinder Instance that uses your custom File Service destination as the Search Area. Refer to Creating a DataFinder Instance for instructions.